Rumson Garden Club, a member club of the Garden Club of America, and The Garden Club of Fair Haven, a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc. have come together to convince state law makers of the importance of native plants in our local environment, and to pass a resolution declaring April as “New Jersey Native Plant Month.” The legislation has the support of Governor Murphy and is sponsored by State Senator Vin Gopal.
The effort is part of a national initiative launched in October 2022 by the 18,000 member Garden Club of America which seeks to have all 50 states highlight the importance of Native Plants by designating April as Native Plant Month in their states.
In the State of New Jersey a Proclamation has been introduced but awaits passage as a Resolution through both legislative bodies. If approved, the Resolution would then be sent to the Office of the Governor to be signed into law. Garden Clubs of New Jersey have quickly responded to the national initiative and enacted a movement for their members and interested parties to contact their State Legislators to ask for their support of these Resolutions in the State Senate and Assembly.
When passed and signed by Governor Murphy this Proclamation will increase awareness and education of the critical role that native plants have in supporting a healthy environment. The planting of native plants will encourage thriving New Jersey wildlife and pollinator populations, will help in the reduction of use of pesticides and fertilizers, and will aid in helping to clean our air, water and land.
To learn more about the initiative go to the Garden Club of America’s website https://www.gcamerica.org or email robbynoneill@gmail.com.
